Dunne wants to help Villa take next step

Dunne joined for a fee of around £6m (GETTY IMAGES)

New signing Richard Dunne is convinced Aston Villa can break into the Premier League's top four this season. Dunne yesterday finally joined Martin O'Neill's side in a £6m deal from Manchester City, despite passing his medical and the two clubs having agreed the fee five days ago.

Speculation regarding the delay was based on the fact the centre-half was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and where he had a testimonial in the offing. But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, Dunne is a Villa player.

Dunne, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me. Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season – they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought some new players into the squad this year – maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted. "I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he said. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."